Witkoff to meet Putin after Oslo talks on Ukraine peace framework

Oslo, Norway. US envoy Steve Witkoff is due to hold talks on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin following discussions in Oslo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that a US official described as constructive. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said the time had come for Ukraine to bring the war to an end.

Discussions on a peace framework

Speaking anonymously, the US official said Ukraine had presented fresh proposals and ideas during the Oslo meeting. Participants included the Norwegian and Finnish leaders, alongside representatives from Europe and NATO.

The official reported significant progress in coordinating an approach to Russia. Discussions addressed central aspects of a comprehensive framework for peace, covering guarantees for Ukraine’s security, economic planning for the post-war period and the wider structure of European security.

According to the official, Witkoff’s aim would be to establish a route to direct negotiations involving three parties, as well as wider multilateral talks.

Relations with Washington and military support

Zelenskiy’s visit to Oslo was intended to mend ties with Washington, which have deteriorated to new lows amid Trump’s outreach to Moscow. Kyiv has accused Washington of withholding essential military assistance and intelligence.

At a news conference following the Oslo discussions, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was once again receiving advance alerts about Russian missile strikes. He welcomed the restoration of the warnings after an earlier telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Zelenskiy said his discussion with Rubio also covered deliveries of Patriot interceptors and the satellite-based Starlink service. Kyiv had complained that Starlink ceased functioning when fitted to rapidly moving platforms, including drones.

Security guarantees and US policy

Zelenskiy said the talks had addressed security assurances comparable to NATO’s Article 5, under which an attack against any member is treated as an attack against every ally. He thanked the US side for reaffirming that those guarantees would be strong.

Trump’s recent overtures to Moscow have included an agreement to purchase Russian diesel and a waiver covering new sanctions. Those moves prompted opposition from both parties in the US Congress and concern among European capitals.